The Trials of John A.

Hero, villain, celebrated, scorned. Sir John A. Macdonald was both loved and loathed during his life, and he was mostly lionized immediately after his death.

Today, the legacy of Canada’s first prime minister is coming under intense scrutiny — and rightfully so, for history is never properly served by glossing over the past.

But has the pendulum swung too far? Across the country, critics are calling for the removal of monuments to Macdonald and other controversial historical figures. Macdonald’s defenders, meanwhile, say this is akin to erasing the past. The debate is polarizing communities, but is there a way for us to move forward together?

Canada’s History has asked several prominent historians and authors to weigh Macdonald’s achievements against his failures and to explore the challenges that surround commemoration in general. Their essays offer unique and important perspectives.

They don’t all agree.

But together their insights help us to develop a deeper understanding of the complex issues at hand. We hope these essays will spark new conversations about the past.

These discussions will be challenging and at times undoubtedly uncomfortable — but it’s the only way forward.

The importance of understanding ourselves by examining our history is an anchoring belief of Canada's History Society. We highlight our nation’s diverse past by telling stories that illuminate the people, places, and events that unite us as Canadians, and by making those stories accessible to everyone through our free online content.

Canada’s History is a registered charity that depends on contributions from readers like you to ensure students and citizens of all ages can continue being inspired and informed by our country’s fascinating stories. Please donate to Canada’s History today. Thank you!

Christopher Moore (christopher­moore.ca) comments in every issue of Canada’s History. He is the author of many books about Canadian history, including 1867: How the Fathers Made a Deal.

Frédéric Boily is a professor of political science at the University of Alberta’s Faculté Saint-Jean. He is the author of several books including John A. Macdonald: Les ambiguïtés de la modération politique.

Charlotte Gray is the author of ten acclaimed books of literary non-fiction, including most recently The Promise of Canada: People and Ideas that have Shaped Our Country. She advocated for Sir John A. on CBC Television’s 2004 production “The Greatest Canadian.”

Lee Maracle is a Sto:lo poet and author who teaches in the Centre for Indigenous Studies at the University of Toronto, where she is also mentor for Aboriginal students.

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